Snyder requests federal assistance for flood damage

John Kennett jkennett@mdn.net

Updated 12:38 pm, Friday, July 21, 2017

Gov. Rick Snyder today requested that President Donald Trump declare a major disaster for the state of Michigan as a result of the flash flooding that occurred in Bay, Isabella, Gladwin and Midland counties on June 22-23.

The request comes at the conclusion of an in-depth assessment of damage to the area.

Snyder has requested supplementary federal aid in the form of Individual Assistance to help eligible residents because of the severity and magnitude of the flooding.

If federal aid is granted, assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help people and businesses recover from the effects of the flooding. This request does not include assistance for costs incurred by state and local governments due to damage to public facilities and infrastructures.

“I’m proud of the way Michiganders have come together to help each other recover from this historic flood, and we’re looking at every resource available to help them rebuild,” Gov. Snyder said. “Community leaders, emergency managers, first responders, local officials and nonprofit organizations have worked tirelessly to help their communities recover from the impacts of the flooding. Now, I’m asking the federal government for additional resources to assist even more with recovery efforts.”

Based on information provided by the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, state leaders requested a joint Preliminary Damage Assessment with federal and local leaders to review and validate the most severely damaged homes, businesses and public facilities across mid-Michigan.

The teams conducted their assessments from July 6-9. State officials reviewed the results and determined the extent of damage reached the level necessary to apply for federal help.

The governor had 30 days from that assessment to make his request for the assistance.

Lt. Gov. Calley declared a “state of disaster” for Isabella and Midland counties on June 23. On June 28, Gov. Rick Snyder instructed the Michigan State Police to amend the “state of disaster” declaration to include two additional counties in mid-Michigan after severe weather and intense rain struck the counties resulting in widespread flooding damage. Along with Isabella and Midland counties, the amended disaster declaration included Bay and Gladwin counties.